Published on September 28, 2025, at 4:15 PM IST.
Delhi, India
In a transformative step for Indian students, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has taken charge of granting equivalence to Class 10th and 12th certificates issued by school education boards across the country. Announced on September 26, 2025, via the e-Gazette by the Department of School Education and Literacy, this move ensures that students can seamlessly pursue higher education and government job opportunities, regardless of their board. This notification replaces the earlier system managed by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) since November 15, 2021.
Key Points:
- NCERT’s New Role: Takes over equivalence certification for Class 10 and 12 from AIU.
- Nationwide Impact: Applies to all central, state, and private school boards in India.
- Official Announcement: Published in the e-Gazette on September 26, 2025.
How PARAKH Powers This Change
The equivalence process will be managed by NCERT’s National Assessment Centre, Performance Assessment, Review and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development (PARAKH), established under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. PARAKH ensures a robust, academically rigorous framework to maintain high educational standards while determining certificate equivalence. This move aligns with NEP 2020’s vision of a unified, inclusive education system.
Key Points:
- PARAKH’s Role: Executes equivalence through a standardized, transparent process.
- NEP 2020 Alignment: Supports holistic education reforms for equitable opportunities.
- Academic Rigor: Ensures certificates meet national standards for credibility.
Who Benefits? Scope of the New System
This reform covers certificates issued by central government, state government, and private school boards established under an Act of Parliament, state legislature, executive orders, or recognized statutory bodies. From CBSE to state boards like Tamil Nadu’s TNBSE or private boards, all are included, ensuring no student is left behind due to board disparities.
Key Points:
- Broad Coverage: Includes CBSE, ICSE, state boards, and recognized private boards.
- Legal Backing: Applies to boards set up by parliamentary or state acts and executive orders.
- Inclusivity: Levels the field for students from diverse educational backgrounds.
Why This Matters: Seamless Transitions for Students
The NCERT’s equivalence certification guarantees inter-se parity among school boards, meaning a Class 10 or 12 certificate from any recognized board is now valid nationwide for higher education admissions and government job recruitments. This eliminates barriers for students migrating between boards, making transitions smoother and fairer.
Key Points:
- Inter-Board Parity: Certificates hold equal weight across India, easing migrations.
- Higher Education Access: Simplifies admissions to universities and colleges nationwide.
- Job Opportunities: Ensures eligibility for government jobs without board-related hurdles.
Impact on Students and Institutions
This reform is a game-changer for millions of students, particularly those moving across states or from rural to urban institutions. Universities and employers no longer need to navigate varying board standards, as NCERT’s certification ensures uniformity. It also reduces bureaucratic delays, fostering a more efficient education-to-employment pipeline.
Key Points:
- Student Mobility: Simplifies inter-state and inter-board transitions for students.
- Institutional Ease: Universities and recruiters benefit from standardized certificate validation.
- Efficiency Boost: Cuts red tape in admissions and hiring processes.
